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Lp(a): Why This Inherited Particle Matters
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What is it?
Lp(a) is a form of cholesterol particle that is particularly likely to deposit in the walls of arteries and which also increases the likelihood of blood clotting. It is therefore strongly associated with cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. Unlike the other cholesterol markers, the amount of Lp(a) that your body produces is strongly genetically determined. For this reason, it is recommended that Lp(a) levels are tested at least once in your lifetime.
Why it matters
It is estimated that 1 in 5 people globally have high Lp(a) levels, which increases their risk of cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 90% of Lp(a) levels in the plasma are genetically determined. The increased morbidity and mortality associated with high Lp(a) levels typically become more significant after the age of fifty, including risks such as myocardial infarction, aortic valve stenosis, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure. Additionally, Lp(a) levels can change after menopause, so it is recommended that women have at least two measurements: one before and one after menopause unless their initial test is conducted after menopause.
Reference ranges
It is estimated that 1 in 5 people globally have high Lp(a) levels, which increases their risk of cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 90% of Lp(a) levels in the plasma are genetically determined. The increased morbidity and mortality associated with high Lp(a) levels typically become more significant after the age of fifty, including risks such as myocardial infarction, aortic valve stenosis, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure. Additionally, Lp(a) levels can change after menopause, so it is recommended that women have at least two measurements: one before and one after menopause unless their initial test is conducted after menopause.
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https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2023/09/19/10/54/An-Update-on-Lipoprotein-a
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Nordestgaard, Børge G., et al. "Fasting is not routinely required for determination of a lipid profile: clinical and laboratory implications including flagging at desirable concentration cut-points—a joint consensus statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society and European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine." European heart journal 37.25 (2016): 1944-1958.
This information is educational and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your results should be interpreted with a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your health history.
